Showing posts with label Hands on with my toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hands on with my toys. Show all posts

Wednesday, 28 January 2026

Hands on with my Ambi


Here we go with a bit of a departure from my usual routine. I normally focus all my sex toy reviews on the latest, shiniest toys fresh from Lovense's labs, but this time I'm rewinding the clock. Let's talk about the Ambi, one of their older models that's been lurking on the periphery of my curiosity for an embarrassingly long time.

I'd always glance at it, note its sensible price tag, and then get distracted by something newer and shinier. But this past Black Friday, I saw it going for an absolute bargain - the kind of price where you can't possibly say no. So, I finally took the plunge to see if this veteran still has what it takes to compete in a drawer now full of its more complex successors.

First Impressions


The Ambi arrived in what I now consider Lovense's classic, minimalist packaging - stylish but no-frills. Sadly, it omits the free black storage baggy that became the norm for so long. It’s a small thing, but for a brand built on premium discretion, it still feels like a slight miss.

Pulling the toy out, its unique form immediately sets it apart. This isn't your standard bullet vibe. It’s a compact, hammer-shaped device, crafted from that familiar, body-safe silicone that feels both soft and substantial in the hand. The design is clever: one end is a broad, flat head with a contour that hints at its purpose, while the other tapers to a precise point. It’s a tool clearly designed with thoughtful intention, not just to be another simple cylinder.

Anatomy and Usability


The genius of the Ambi is all in its shape, which solves several problems at once. First, the dual-ended design offers immediate versatility. The broad, flat head provides a wide, rumbling field of stimulation that’s perfect for when you want full, encompassing pleasure without a specific focal point. Spin it around, and the tapered end becomes a precision instrument for intense, pinpoint attention, perfect for some precise clit stimulation. It genuinely feels like having two distinct toys in one which you can instantly swap back and forth between.

The Ambi then has a third trick up its sleeve. The top of the hammer offers a third surface for stimulation. One that has contouring that is vulva-inspired, allowing you to simultaneously stimulate over a wide area while also managing to reach into all areas to make sure that nowhere goes untouched.

Furthermore, the subtle contouring of the handle is a neat design choice compared to traditional bullets I’ve owned, making it much easier to keep hold of. When things get slippery, the handle’s length can feel just a touch short for a completely secure grip, even if the contouring does help it stay in your hand - a minor point, but one worth mentioning for those who like a firm hold. Otherwise, it is perfectly sized for my small hands and it also offers real leverage and control, allowing you to position the vibes exactly where you want them without your hand cramping around a tiny nub.

Control is beautifully straightforward, with a single button on the base of the handle for power and cycling through onboard patterns. Of course, connecting to the Lovense app unlocks its full potential for custom patterns and legendary remote control.

The main point of friction, quite literally, comes with charging. The Ambi uses a magnetic charging dock that the toy stands in rather than a charging cable that connects to it. While it charges quickly - about 70 minutes for a full battery - the dock is notoriously sensitive. The toy must be placed perfectly, and the base itself must remain utterly still, or the connections lose contact and charging stops.

Although I do like the idea of standing the toy in the dock instead of laying it on its sideI can definitely see why the dock idea has not been re-used for toys. And, annoyingly, the spacing of the magnetic connectors is different to now ubiquitous charging lead so you can’t substitute one of those in instead.

Hassle-Free Practicality


A practical note that’s well worth highlighting; the Ambi boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating. In simple terms, this means it can be fully submerged in water, making it not just bath and shower-safe, but also incredibly easy to clean. A quick rinse with warm water and mild soap, or a gentle wipe down with a dedicated toy cleaner, is all it takes. This seamless transition from play to clean-up is a small but significant feature that makes incorporating the Ambi into your masturbation routine completely effortless, with no fuss or worry.

A Powerhouse in Disguise


Do not let its modest size or accessible price point deceive you. The Ambi packs a profound punch, though it's crucial to frame this as my personal experience. Anatomy varies so widely that I can only speak to how it performed for me, and your own journey with it might differ.

For me, the vibrations it produces are deep, rumbly, and carry a satisfying weight that completely transcends the shallow, buzzy sensation of cheap plastic bullets. The range is exceptional, offering everything from a relatively gentle, teasing hum that’s perfect for edging to an intense, mind-melting rumble that delivers spectacular results.

This immense power, however, comes with a tangible physical feedback that underscores just how capable its motor is. During extended use, or particularly at the highest intensity settings, the vibrations are so strong and pervasive that they can travel through the handle and make my fingers go numb.


This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's a direct, physical testament to the toy's raw power - it's clearly not holding anything back. On the other, that numbness can become a distraction or an uncomfortable reminder to switch hands or dial the power back for a moment. It almost encourages you to use it as a teasing toy on lower settings, saving the full force for shorter, more focused bursts.

One point that consistently impresses me is just how reasonable the noise is. You might expect a toy with this much punch to announce itself with a noticeable buzz, possibly something quite shrill, but it manages to be surprisingly discreet. The sound it produces is a low, focused hum rather than a high-pitched whirr. While it's not utterly silent, the noise level is easily masked by a bit of background music, a running fan, or ambient household sounds. For a powerful little device, its discreet operation is a thoughtful bonus that adds to its versatility for private use or shared living spaces.

Who is it for?


So, who is the Lovense Ambi for? In my view, it’s a multifaceted toy for someone who wants versatility over gimmicks or hyper-specific functionality. It is the perfect, no-fuss introduction for anyone taking their first step into the world of app-controlled toys, offering incredible value. For the seasoned collector, it’s a versatile and potent workhorse that fills a unique niche, especially for travel due to its compact size and dual-ended utility. While it has its minor quirks -the finicky charging dock and possible numbness-inducing raw power - these are insignificant compromises for a toy that delivers so much sheer, reliable pleasure.

Oh, and the compact size of it makes it another great option for travel. Whether it’s carrying it discreetly in your bag or needing something that is small enough to slip into the restricted space of luggage, it’s perfect for making sure that you’ve always got something close at hand for those unexpected moments of horniness when you simply have to get yourself off.

In closing


It has firmly earned a permanent spot in my rotation, a testament to the fact that timeless, clever design often outshines fleeting novelty. The Ambi is the unassuming veteran that quietly out-performs expectations, and I’m so glad a Black Friday bargain finally forced me to pay it the attention it has always deserved.

If you too have been sleeping on the no-frills simplicity of the Ambi and now fancy giving it a try, head over to the Lovense store now to pick one up. Sadly, the Black Friday deal ended long ago but the Ambi still remains just about the cheapest toy that Lovense sells, so a bargain nevertheless, especially if you are a newcomer looking to dip your toes into the world of remote play sex toys without breaking the bank on something more fancy.

Friday, 21 November 2025

Hands on with a Fizz firmware update


I suppose this is the danger of reviewing a beta product before it is officially released but, and I am not exaggerating this, just 2 days after I hit 'Publish' on my Lovense Fizz review, I received an notification from Lovense letting me know that increased suction strength was a common request from beta testers. And, to address the complaints of low suction strength, that an optional new firmware update was available which would, in their words, make "the toy's strength at level 1 significantly stronger".

Obviously, I immediately accepted the firmware update Fizz because a lack of suction strength was exactly what my main gripe with the toy was. But did it shift the needle at all on my verdict of the toy? Well, let's get into that...

More low level suck


It's important to note before we go any further that the email I received detailing the new update, specifically referred to "suction strength at level 1". So let's some expectations here. They have not universally cranked the power of the toy across all suction levels. This update is simply to raise the base suction that is produced when it is running at the lowest level.

And my verdict is yes; when running it at low suction levels, I did feel more suction. How much more? Well, a little. Enough to make a difference? I'm actually undecided on that, even after 2 weeks. 

It certainly provided me with more stimulation but not enough to cum from that stimulation alone. The  tapping of the thumper is definitely still what I need for that. I fucking love that bad boy. But let's be honest; I'm not usually going to be running any of my Lovense toys at level 1 if I want to cum. Edge myself horribly, yes... but cum, no.

That's not to say it isn't worthwhile either. Although not a complete game changer, especially since the suction strength on higher levels seemed largely unchanged, I could feel a difference when running it on low. And it is always to remember that these sort of toys effectiveness will be very personal anatomy dependent so other vagina-owners may experience much more of a difference than I did.


Feel the vibes


In addition to being underwhelmed by the original suction strength, I also questioned whether it had been designed with being a simple vibrator in mind, given that it was described as such. Well, whether by design or by coincidence, I will say that I felt a decent increase in vibes coming through the mouth of the sucker. 

When pressing the mouth against my clit, nipples or wherever, I could absolutely fell more stimulation from the buzzing of the toy against my skin. I would go so far as to say I felt that that was giving more pleasure than the suction itself. So lettings chalk that up as another little win for the firmware update.

Of course, none of this has done anything to help with my other big dissatisfaction and that's the noise of the toy. Increasing power is certainly not going to improve that. If anything it makes it go the other way and get louder. So I wouldn't expect firmware updates to improve that. If anything can be done to improve that, it will have to be via physical changes to the motor, the body of the toy and so on. I am not without hope that that could be realistic hope for the final version of the Fizz. Only time will tell.

Final thoughts


First of all, all credit to Lovense for, not only hearing user feedback, but taking fairly swift steps to address the concerns that they had been raising. 

But are those changes they've made going to make me re-think my original verdict?  I'll say this; it is an improvement but how  meaningful that improvement is, will undoubtably vary from person to person But, in my case, I think it has swayed me slightly from having a slightly negative opinion to one that is neither positive or negative.

The tapping action is still a big hit with me so that is a massive positive but my overall feeling gets dragged down by the suction action still not doing enough for me. I do feel like the update has moved it clear of my Tenera 2 though, which is probably unlikely to see any more action now that this sucks better and also has that 2nd action that I'm a big fan of.

So, I think that is my biggest takeaway - if I had to recommend a Lovense toy for suction, it would be the Fizz (whenever it is eventually released, of course) over the Tenera 2.

As always though, take all of this with a pinch of salt because mileage will vary from person to person and my experience is my experience alone. Your experience my be vastly different so please don't take anything I have said in either review as being gospel.

Find my original review of my beta version of the Lovense Fizz here.

Thursday, 6 November 2025

Hands on with my beta Fizz


21/11/2025 Update - Since publishing my review of this beta product, Lovense has released a firmware update to address some of the feedback they have received from other beta users.

Find out how that update affects my verdict of the Fizz in my firmware update review.

Well, here we are again, and this time it’s with something a little bit special; a pre-release beta unit of the new Lovense Fizz, which Lovense describes as a “dual-head customizable clitoral vibrator with oral-like suction & tapping”. Quite the mouthful, huh? Pun intended…

Essentially, what that means is it’s like Lovense decided to take the best feature from my beloved Osci 3 and try to pair it with the trickier feature from the Tenera 2 for the ultimate clit stimulating toy. That’s the theory, anyway.

Now, I do need to preface this review by saying that my experiences are my own, and your body might react completely differently. But, more importantly, being a beta, the final product that hits the shelves might have a tweak or two so the final experience may vary slightly. Also, I should stress this isn’t a free unit that I’ve been sent to test. I’ve purchased this with my own money so my thoughts are absolutely my own.

First Impressions & An Absent Friend


The Fizz arrives in that now-familiar, classy packaging that Lovense has been rolling out. It looks sleek and modern, perfect for a store shelf. But it also continues a recent trend that I’m really not a fan of: the missing free black storage baggy. For a premium toy, this continues to feel like a cheap and frankly mean omission. It’s a small thing, but for those of us who value discretion, it’s a noticeable miss.

Anatomy of the Fizz


The toy itself is a simple, elegant cylinder, about 4.8 inches long, cloaked in Lovense's trademark pink, body-safe silicone, with a cool LED section for the base. It’s perfectly sized for my smaller hands and feels great to hold. It’s also absolutely ideal for tossing into a handbag or carrying with you while travelling if you want some company while staying in lonely hotel rooms - discreet and unintimidating. And, like most of their line-up, it's IPX7 waterproof, so bath-time play is definitely on the menu.

The dual head on the top is where the magic is supposed to happen. On one side, you have the sucker, which has a much deeper opening than the Tenera 2, though the actual hole at the bottom seems similarly sized. On the reverse side is the thumper, which is a slightly larger and definitely firmer nub than the one on the Osci 3.

Controls are handled by two buttons at the base of the cylinder, which let you cycle forwards and backwards through the patterns - a feature I still love and wish all their toys had . However, the placement of those buttons doesn't seem perfect to me. I found myself wishing they were positioned higher up, almost like a trigger on a gun, so I could easily press them with my index finger without having to adjust my grip mid-session. It’s a small fiddly detail that can pull you out of the moment.


It’s also worth noting that, unlike the Osci 3 where you can control the tapping and the vibrator independently, the Fizz’s two buttons control both the suction and the tapping simultaneously. They’re a package deal, for better or worse. The same goes for when controlling the Fizz via the phone app; just the one slider to rule them all.

Round the back from the buttons is the charging connector, Thankfully, Lovense have continued to use their standard magnetic cable, so no new cords to worry about and it’s super easy whack the connector on to the toy without having to worry about it being loose or anything like that. 

On that note, the battery life is pretty decent. Lovense claims up to 105 minutes of continuous use (or 120 hrs of standby time), which feels like plenty for this sort of toy. Charging time is then quoted at about 64 minutes, which I honestly cannot confirm because I am yet to charge it from flat.

Now, I have to gush about the LEDs for a moment. I absolutely love this feature. I must have spent a good half-hour before even testing the toy just playing with all the customisable colours and patterns in the app. It’s more than just decoration, too; the patterns change to indicate the active setting, and the animation speed even syncs with the toy’s intensity during remote control. It’s a brilliant touch that makes each play session feel just a little bit more personal..

The Performance: A Tale of Two Mechanisms


Let’s get to the heart of the matter: how does it feel?

On the noise front, it seems a bit loud to me. Running it side by side with My Tenera 2, It’s not much louder, if at all, in terms of volume, but the pitch has an added shrillness from the thumper that makes it much more noticeable to my ears. Discretion might be a challenge here.

As for the sensations, [spoiler alert ]it’s essentially a repackaging of features we’ve seen before. If you liked or disliked them in their original forms, that probably won't change here.

First, let's look at the suction, since that is on the 'front' of the toy...

The Tenera 2 could do 5600 pulses per minute, and the Fizz is slightly down on that at 5200. But honestly? I couldn’t feel the difference. I was really hoping the deeper suction opening would create a broader, more forgiving area than the frustratingly pinpoint Tenera 2, making it easier to find that sweet spot. For me, it didn’t. The suction still feels underwhelming unless you find that exact, perfect alignment - a real challenge when you’re writhing around. It’s the same struggle I had before.

However, I’m sure this will be like the Tenera 2 in that this experience while vary massively from user to user. Just like the Tenera 2, I have seen comments from other beta unit owners saying that it blows their mind. So definitely another case of it depending on your particular body. Which can be a little bit frustrating when spending good money on a premium toy without really knowing how well you will get on with it.


And now onto the tapping...

This is where the Fizz shines for me. The Osci 3 could do a staggering 6000 taps per minute, so the Fizz is slightly less on paper, but the taps/thumps still feel incredibly strong and intense. The range of intensity is impressive, offering everything from gentle pats to seriously hard thumps. At its maximum, the slightly larger, firmer thumper delivers a sensation that’s almost brutal in its buzzing power, reminding me a lot of the intense vibrations from the Domi 2. Because the thumper is broader, it stimulates a wider area than the Osci 3’s more focused nub, which I actually really enjoyed.

Obviously, the major difference here is that the Osci 3’s thumper was positioned for G-spot stimulation, whereas the Fizz’s thumper is dedicated to your clit and that probably plays somewhat into the slightly different physical design of it.

For me, it was the same result though. Super intense stimulation that drove me absolutely wild. I honestly don’t think I would want it to get any more intense than it does… because it’s already a lot to handle! And it definitely benefits from having some lube involved, especially at the higher intensity settings, because, my word, it goes hard.

Honestly, I think I might even prefer the clitoral stimulation of the Fizz over the Osci 3’s G-spot stimulation. It’s just so fucking intense! Plus I generally prefer clit toys anyway, so this is a good fit for my personal preferences.

But don't sleep on using it to stimulate other areas too. For example, its compact size and shape also make it ideal for a bit of nipple play, using either the sucker or the thumper. Perfect for if you want to add a bit of extra stimulation when you've already got something or someone already doing the business between your legs.

Is It Also A Vibrator?


Now, you might have noticed I’ve been talking exclusively about suction and tapping. But Lovense literally describes it as being a clitoral vibrator with those added features. So why haven't I touched upon that until now? Well, mostly because that’s a label I’m not entirely sold on.

Yes, it’s true that the entire body of the toy persistently buzzes while it's operating. But I’m really not sure whether this is an intentional feature meant for stimulation or not. To me, it feels much more like a simple side-effect of the powerful motor doing its main job inside the casing of powering those dual-heads. A casing that, to my eyes anyway, doesn’t have any deliberate shaping or sculpting to suggest use as a simple vibrator.

If this is meant to be a third, dedicated usage style, then I have to say it’s pretty underwhelming. The buzzing is neither focused nor particularly powerful. It lacks the deep, rumbling quality I look for in a proper vibrator and doesn't add anything meaningful to the suction or tapping sensations. It’s just… there.

For me, it’s certainly not a selling point, and it’s not something I would ever choose the Fizz for on its own. If I want a compact and discrete vibrator to carry around with me, the Exomoon would be my go to toy.

Final Thoughts


So, who is the Lovense Fizz for? It’s ideal for anyone who loved the Tenera 2 but wished it could just do more, or for anyone who adores the Osci 3’s tapping action but wants it in a dedicated, non-penetrative clitoral toy.

For me, it’s a classic case of one great feature carrying a less impressive one. I loved the Osci 3’s tapping, and having that powerful, broad thumping sensation available for external play is a real treat. But the suction side of things continues to leave me wanting more.

It doesn’t reinvent either wheel; it just puts them on the same axle. And while that makes for a competent and interesting toy, it doesn’t feel like a must-have toy unless you crave what the thumper can provide.

It’s a solid, sometimes brilliant, but sometimes flawed toy that lives or dies by how well its two signature features work for your unique body. For me, one of them works a treat. The other, sadly, still doesn’t quite hit the spot.

But an important reminder; all of these thoughts and experiences are based on a beta pre-release model. The final product might look, feel, or perform differently when it eventually launches. As for when that will be? Your guess is as good as mine! Lovense are keeping their cards close to their chest on a release date for now

Of course, if you want to explore what other sex toy options are currently available from Lovense, you can find all of those over on their online store.

Saturday, 1 February 2025

Hands on with my Osci 3


Here we go with my latest Lovense review. And I’ve tried to be a bit more timely with this one; only taking a couple of weeks to gather my thoughts rather than months and months. Perhaps that is because I’ve been a bit more motivated this time round because… spoiler alert… I’ve really enjoyed playing around with this one.

I’m getting ahead of myself though. Let me actually introduce what I’ll be telling you all about. The Osci 3 is the brand new toy from Lovense, which they describe as a ‘remote-controlled, heating thumper rabbit for clit and G-spot’

Despite already giving away that I’m very keen on this toy, there’s more to be said that just that headline alone, so please keep reading and let’s get into the nitty gritty of it…

Disclaimer


Yes, this is the third iteration of the Osci product line but, when you look at the thing, its clear that it is as if it was spawned by a night of passion between an Osci 2 and a Nora, inheriting key features from each. In terms of what it has in common with the Nora,

I’m more than qualified to speak about how they compare as my personal Nora has seen plenty of action over the years. I am a complete newcomer to the Osci range so any comparisons with its numerical predecessor will be limited to quoting technical specs that I have been able to dig up.

A Retail Friendly Packaging Upgrade


The Osci 3 arrives in a new, sleek packaging design that feels like it has perhaps been redesigned to be a bit more retail-friendly than some of Lovense’s previous offerings. Particularly with a focus on looking good on a physical store shelf rather than just sitting on warehouse shelves waiting to be sent by post.

I’ll concede that this is entirely a ‘me problem’ and not an issue with the design itself but, as someone how is obsessed with keeping all packaging in pristine condition, to the point of often leaving things unopened so that it can remain mint in box, it does break my heart that you have no choice but to permanently damage the box in order to get at the toy inside. Yes, it is by pulling one of those very satisfying tear off tabs that you get on FedEx envelopes but it still causes me to die a little bit inside.

Anyway, inside, you’ll find the toy itself, along with the standard Lovense magnetic charging cable and a user manual. One notable omission, however, is the free storage black baggy that Lovense usually includes with their toys. For a premium product, this feels like a big miss, especially for those who like to keep their toys discreetly stored and are accustomed to Lovense accommodating that desire.

Anatomy of the Osci 3


The toy itself is made from body-safe silicone, which feels pleasant enough. While I personally prefer the slightly softer, more pliable silicone of the Nora, which comes with a bit of squidge to it, the Osci 3’s material is still high-quality and easy to clean with soap and warm water. And, aesthetically, it is modern and sophisticated, with a slightly futuristic vibe that feels fitting for a high-tech toy like this.

The Osci 3's rigid shape is designed to fit snugly against the body, and the overall design is ergonomic and visually appealing. Actually, I really like how it is rigid enough to tightly hug my body while having enough flex to let it adapt to my personal contours. I fell like that sort of adaptability is really key when there are such a variety of different bodies out there that it needs to be compatible with.


That said, one thing to note is that the insertable shaft is relatively short at 4.4 inches, and it’s also on the less girthy side compared to toys like the Nora. While this might be a drawback for those who prefer deeper or fuller penetration, I didn’t feel like it diminished the experience in any way for me personally.

As I’ll go into in just a moment, I was more interested in keeping the Osci 3 fairly stationary once inserted with minimal manual thrusting. In my mind, it’s all about finding that sweet spot and then leaving the thumper to do its magic. For me, this approach worked perfectly and the relatively small length and girth weren’t really noticeable. But it’s worth considering if you’re someone who craves more substantial internal stimulation or needs that thrusting motion for stimulation.

The Thumping Sensation


OK, since I’ve teased it a bit already, let’s talk about the standout feature of the Osci 3, its thumping mechanism, which is designed to target the G-spot with rapid oscillations. With a staggering 6,000 oscillations per minute, this toy is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Osci 2, which maxed out at 350 oscillations per minute.

The thumper itself is a soft, flexible nub located on the upper side of the insertable shaft, and when activated, it moves up and down in a way that feels both intense and deeply satisfying.

Positioning can be key here though. When the thumper is aligned just right against the G-spot, the sensation is nothing short of incredible. The range of intensity is impressive, allowing you to dial things up from gentle, teasing pats to super intense thud thud thud. 


However, I did notice that at the highest settings, the thumping sensation can start to blur into more of a general vibration, which slightly diminishes the unique appeal of the mechanism. That said, the mid-range settings are where this toy truly shines, offering a level of G-spot stimulation that feels wonderful but still distinct from what other vibrators may provide.

I should mention that the thumping motion does also create a subtle vibration throughout the shaft, though this is more of a secondary effect rather than a primary source of stimulation. To be honest, it was pretty negligible in terms of providing additional stimulation but its there nevertheless. Don’t worry though since the thumping sensation delivers in spades.

A Warm Welcome


Another headline feature is the heated shaft, which warms up to body temperature in about a minute. This is an interesting addition that adds a touch of realism and comfort to the experience. I was pleasantly surprised by how warm it gets—it’s not just a subtle warmth but a noticeable, soothing heat that does add a little something to the overall sensation. While it’s not a game-changing feature, it’s a nice extra that sets the Osci 3 apart from other toys in its category.

The heating element is automatic and can’t be turned off, which might be a minor annoyance for some users. Personally, I didn’t find this to be a problem, as the warmth is subtle enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. However, if you’re someone who prefers cooler sensations or doesn’t enjoy heated toys, this is something to keep in mind.

Firm and Focused Clitoral Stimulation


Of course, no rabbit vibrator would be complete without its signature clitoral stimulator, and the Osci 3 delivers in this department. The clitoral arm is powered by a motor that delivers 7,500 vibrations per minute. and it has a nice studdy feel to it. 

Yes, there is some flex at the base of it to help it is shape to different body types, but it feels a lot sturdier than the one on the Nora, whose clitoral arm could sometimes feel a bit floppy under pressure. The Osci 3’s clit arm feels much stronger allowing it to maintain a a really nice and consistent pressure on with the clitoris. This sturdiness translates to more focused and intense stimulation, which I found to be a definite improvement over the Nora. The vibrations are powerful but not overwhelming.

The clit arm also has a good range of intensity to the vibrations, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences. Whether you prefer gentle, teasing vibrations or more intense, rumbling sensations, the Osci 3 has you covered.

Controls and Usability


The Osci 3 features two buttons: one for controlling the patterns and intensity of the internal thumper, and another for the vibrations of the external clit arm. And, like I said before, the heating feature is automatic so no controls for that.

The simplicity of the controls makes the toy easy to operate, even in the heat of the moment. And if you’re a fan of app-controlled play, the Osci 3 is fully compatible with the Lovense app, allowing you to explore a wide range of patterns and settings or even hand over control to a partner.


Surprisingly Discreet


One area where the Osci 3 really impressed me was its noise level. Compared to the Nora, which can get quite loud and shrill at higher settings when the rotating head is going crazy, the Osci 3 is surprisingly quiet. While it’s not exactly whisper-quiet,the noise it does produce is low-pitched and unobtrusive. This makes it a great option for those who value discretion.

The quiet operation is especially impressive given the power of the motors. Whether you’re using the thumper or the clit vibes, the Osci 3 manages to deliver strong sensations without becoming overly noisy. This is a big plus for anyone who shares living space with others or simply prefers a more discreet experience.

Decent but Not Exceptional Battery Life


The Osci 3 offers almost 3 hours of use on a single charge, which is less than both the Nora (up to 4 hours) and the Osci 2 (up to 5 hours). While this might be a drawback for those who enjoy marathon play sessions, I found it to be more than sufficient for my needs. Plus, the charging time is much quicker than the Nora, taking only about half the time to reach a full charge so you can quickly get back to it if you should drain the battery.

The magnetic charging cable is easy to use and securely attaches to the toy, ensuring a reliable connection. It’s worth noting that the Osci 3 uses the same charger as most other Lovense toys, so if you already own a Lovense product, you’ll have a spare charger on hand.

Who Is the Osci 3 For?


Because of everything I’ve just gone into, it should be obvious that the Osci 3 is ideal for women who enjoy dual stimulation and want to enjoy a blended orgasm. It’s also a great option for those who appreciate tech-forward features like app control and heating elements. If you’re someone who values discreet operation and easy-to-use controls, the Osci 3 is definitely worth considering.

However, if you prefer deeper penetration or more substantial internal vibrations, you might find the Osci 3’s shorter, slimmer shaft to be a bit limiting. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of heated toys, the automatic warming feature might not be to your taste.

Final Thoughts


The Lovense Osci 3 is a very impressive toy that delivers on its promise of intense, blended stimulation. Its thumping mechanism is a standout feature and the heated shaft adds a touch of luxury to the experience. The firm, focused clitoral stimulation is another highlight, making this toy a great choice for those who crave both internal and external pleasure.

That said, the Osci 3’s effectiveness may vary depending on your anatomy. Its shorter, slimmer shaft might not be ideal for everyone so your mileage from it may vary compared to mine.

Overall though, I feel that it is a fantastic toy that’s well worth considering if you’re looking to upgrade from the Nora or Osci 2, or if you’re simply in the market for a high-quality rabbit vibrator that offers something a little different. I can confidently say that this toy is a worthy addition to Lovense’s line-up and I’ll even admit that my Nora may even be heading into retirement now that I’ve got this bad boy to play with instead.

If you feel like taking the leap into the world of blended orgasms with the Osci 3, why not head over to the Lovense store and order one for yourself right now!

Wednesday, 8 January 2025

Hands on with my Tenera 2


I feel like I’m stuck in this cycle that I keep getting new Lovense toys as soon as they are launched but then sit on actually getting round to writing my verdict on them until the next one is released, which gives me a kick up the butt to review the one I already have first. So, with my Osci 3 due any day now, I better actually tell you about my Tenera 2, especially since they both share the trait of being updated models of existing products.

On that note, to date, whenever Lovense have released a new version of toy, they have always managed to improve on the original; whether that be by bringing new innovations or simply by doing the same thing but better.

So have Lovense managed to continue this trend with the Tenera 2 - their app-controlled clitoral suction simulator?

The disclaimer


Well, first of all, I have to say that I’ve never been able to try the original Tenera as it wasn’t available in my territory (the UK). Sadly, that leaves me without any sort of benchmark against which to compare the Tenera 2. However, from all the digging that I’ve done, it seems like the original was very popular with those that tried it.

Actually, popular is an understatement. Most Tenera owners seem to absolutely rave about how good it was. Which means that version 2 of the product is going to be a sure fire hit then, right?

Well, I’ll get into that in a little bit...

What is the Tenera 2?


First, for the uninitiated, what is the Tenera 2 and what does it do? Simply put, it produces pulses of airwaves to create a sucking sensation.

The idea is that the shaped suction zone on the toy (which we’ll call the mouth for simplicity) sits over and around the clit and, in conjunction with those air pulses, it gives the sensation of being sucking on during oral sex.

For those that like to know the numbers, on max power, the Tenera 2 can produce up to 4500 of those pulses per minute, which is slightly down on the 5000 that the original model was capable of. And they say that the volume of it is only slightly louder than light rain at 43 dB. I suppose the truth of that lies in what power setting you are using it on. From my experience of it, what noise it does make is relatively low pitch and fairly discrete, certainly compared to some of my other Lovense toys.

The techy stuff and what's in the box


The toy itself is made from the typical body-safe silicone that Lovense employs for most of it’s toys and the whole thing feels pretty sturdy, although the mouth area does have some squidge to it so that it can deform just a little bit to fit against the contours of your body. The silicon feels fine against my body. I wouldn’t say the feel of it is super wow but it’s also not something that bothers me in any way. So just fine.

Although, I will say that using it for extended periods is no problem as it doesn’t cause any sort of soreness by continually buzzing against your skin, even when no lube is used. If you do want to lube up though, the silicon is safe to use with any water-based lube.

As for how long it will go for, I’ve used it for over an hour on a few occasions without the battery dying from being fully charged. Lovense themselves say the life is 1hr 18mins, which is presumably based on high power usage. I’ve probably got somewhere close to that or even beyond it by not always going full power.

The silicone is also IPX7 water-resistant so safe to put in use in the shower or bath (although Bluetooth connectivity can be hindered by water).

It also means that cleaning it is an absolute doddle, which for me, this is a big win for the Tenera 2. All you have to do is run it on max power and then drop it (figuratively, not literally) into a bowl of warm water for 1 minute and it cleans itself for you. How great is that? A totally self-cleaning toy! Just make sure the water is warm, not hot, otherwise you could have an exploding battery to deal with.

Personally, I like the ergonomics of the Tenera 2. It’s comfortable to hold in a number of different ways, even for someone like me whose hands are on the smaller side. At it’s largest points, it’s just under 5 inches long, 2.5 inches tall and 1.7 inches wide. So not too big at all. Actually, it’s a very nice size to keep a nice firm grip on.

Control of it is handled via a pair of buttons on top of the toy, which cycle backwards and forwards through the different intensities and patterns, with one also doubling as the power button when held down.

If you are a Lovense user already, you’ll be familiar with the sort of options that are available here but notice what I said there; backwards and forwards. I think for just about every other toy I have tried, you have to cycle through the patterns in a single direction before looping back around to the start. It might just be a small thing but being able to go in both directions is a big win for me and hopefully something we’ll be seeing more in the future from them.

The top of the toy also has the magnetic charging points for their now ubiquitous magnetic USB charging cables. It’s such a relief that we’re not forced into having a drawer full of different charging cables for our Lovense toy and that just a single one can service the majority of my collection, barring my very earliest purchases (the Domi 2, Nora and original Hush being the exceptions).

And one final thing to mention about what you physically receive in the box. Alongside the toy itself and the charger that I’ve just been singing the praises of, you do, of course, receive the customary black baggy to store the Tenera 2 in. I feel like this is such a standard expectation now that I needn’t even keep mentioning it but I really do feel like I want to keep highlighting it because I’m so grateful for getting one with each product.

Does it live up to the anticipation?


OK, so let’s get onto the performance.

Like I said at the off, I never had the opportunity to try the original Tenera. My understanding, although don’t quote me on this, was that it was only available in certain territories due to some sort of copyright issues, primarily in the U.S. I have a feeling that this is going to be a rather important point.

Rather than being an upgraded version, I get the distinct impression that the Tenera 2 is actually a slightly compromised version that is able to circumvent whatever those copyright issues might have been.

Indeed, if you take a look at all of the user reviews in Lovense’s Discord server, almost every single one that has been submitted from a Tenera 1 owner, is one of disappointment and let down as the new model seems to be considerably less powerful than the original.

For whatever reason, a major aspect of the redesign has been to make the sucking sensation more pinpoint (their choice of words, not mine). And this has left the performance of the toy much more at the mercy of different body types than the original which was apparently loved by all because of the wider mouth giving a much broader suction zone. When people say "less powerful suction", I'm more inclined to read that as either "harder to target suction" or "not as suited to all body types". Let me explain...

My personal experience


My first few attempts with my Tenera 2 were very disappointing as I felt very little suction or stimulation at all. To the point where I was questioning if I was somehow trying to use it wrongly. But, with a little perseverance, I found that, if I could find a very exact sweet spot, it actually created a very enjoyable feeling. Not one that would make me go weak at the knees or cross-eyed but still very nice regardless.

The problem is that, if your body is anything like mine, you first need to find that sweet spot and then, somehow, keep holding the mouth of the sucker in that exact spot without losing it. Easier said than done, let me tell you!

So it seems very much like it is very dependent on your particular anatomy as to how effective that pinpoint stimulation is. Some users, like with my early efforts, get absolutely nothing from it, whereas others find it to be pretty orgasmic with very little fuss.


To be honest, I’m yet to cum from just using the Tenera 2 by itself. If anything, I find it much more useful for a bit of light teasing or warm-up. Perhaps a bit of extended edging. But not if I just really want to cum and cum hard. That's not to say it can't do that though. Just not for me and plenty of other users.

Let’s not forget about a good bit of nipple play though. Because, as with my Exomoon, I think I actually find that using it on my nipples is actually more pleasurable than fiddling around between my legs with it. Of course, it is still subject to finding that sweet spot when sucking on my nipples but I do find that much easier in comparison. In combination with another toy that is providing either clit or G-spot stimulation instead of the Tenera 2, that feeling of titty sucking can nicely take things up a notch or two whilst the other two does most of the heavy lifting.

In closing...


OK, so to summarise. Anticipation for the Tenera 2 was extremely high due to the popularity of the limited-availability Tenera. However, this is a sidegrade rather than an upgrade, making it the first time that I’ve come across a Lovense toy that doesn’t take a nice step forward with a numbered successor.

I really don’t think I can say that this is either a good toy or a bad toy. If there is a fault with it, it is that it is too dependent on your personal anatomy so it may be hard to predict whether it's something that will work for you, even if, like me, you are a lover of clit stimulating toys.

Obviously, it's not ideal that it is a bit of a lottery as to how enjoyable you will find it. All I will say is that the overwhelmingly negative reviews you might find online may not be at all relevant to you. But they may also be absolutely spot on. And therein lies the problem.

At least, if it fails to deliver on the clit sucking, you might be able to get some enjoyment out of nipple sucking instead so it might not be a complete loss.

If you feel like taking a chance on the Tenera 2, which might be very well worth it for you (sorry, I really don’t know!), why not head over to the Lovense store and order one for yourself right now!

Thursday, 9 May 2024

Hands on with my Ridge


I feel like reviewing something from Lovense that is applicable to both the boys and girls out there is long overdue. I mean, it’s not often that I get to tackle toys that are unisex, so it’s only fair that I should take the opportunity to give the guys something to think about as well, when the opportunity presents itself. Especially since it is masturbation month and that is something that can be participated in by all.

And, in this case, that opportunity is Lovense’s Ridge, which they describe as “app-controlled vibrating and rotating anal beads”. That’s certainly a description that got my head turning as anal beads are something that I’ve been interested in trying but have never managed to get round to.

So, let’s dive into that description and see how well it really fits the bill.

The elephant in the room


OK, I’m not going to beat around the bush with this one because we really cannot progress at all without addressing this first. The description of the Ridge as “anal beads” is generous at best. Misleading at worst.

At least in my mind, anal beads are a series of individual balls that are each connected by a cord or string. Something resembling a strand of pearls. And the ridge is not that at all. What it is, is three slightly oblong bulbs stacked one on top of others to form a shaft. There is no separation between them and each bulb is actually reasonably large.



For me, it would be far more accurate to describe this arrangement as a ridged butt plug or dildo, although I’m not sure which of those classifications would be more accurate; butt plug because you basically insert it and then leave it in place (i.e no thrusting) or dildo because of the proportions of the shaft. Either way, definitely not anal beads.

With that out of the way, let’s instead focus on what it is rather than what it isn’t.

Let’s talk bulbs, not beads


As already mentioned, its 3 oblong bulbs stacked on top of one another to form a shaft. The sizes of the bulbs are graduated, so the further you insert it, the larger the bulbs become, by which I mean they get wider and longer. As a way of demonstrating that, I’ll give you some quick dimensions; the first bulb is 26mm in diameter, the 2nd is 30mm and the last bulb is 34mm.

The first bulb also has some angle applied to it, which will be relevant when we start talking about its controllable actions, and has a nice squishiness to it that I actually quite like. Not as squishy as something like a jelly dildo, but it has a nice bit of give to it. The other two bulbs have a very subtle squish to their surface but are completely firm underneath that so there is no give there whatsoever.

When inserting it, I personally find that the first two bulbs slip in very easily. Much more so than my original Hush. The third bulb is far less willing though. To go back to the point that some people think of this as more of a dildo, the reason for that is that it is actually pretty long for an anal toy and that means it can go pretty deep.

For my anatomy, that meant it was right on the threshold of whether I can actually take it all. But, with some patience, perseverance and a whole tonne of lube, I can just about get all three bulbs inserted. That’s not without some discomfort though.

Of course, this is something that will vary massively from person to person so shouldn’t be taken as a criticism in any way, but having just the 2 bulbs inserted just felt a lot nicer. But, once I turned the toys on, that caused a few issues which really encouraged me to do my best to endure all three.



And, let’s not forget, at the very bottom, there is a pretty chunky base where you’ll find the buttons and charging connector. When I first held the Ridge in my hands, I was somewhat concerned that it would be a bit too chunky. It’s a lot wider and deeper than on either of my Hushs, which would be my best frame of reference. 

However, it wasn’t too noticeable when I was sat in a chair or lying on my bed. I would say that it is a bit too bulky for walking around though. Again though, that’s just for my body and it might by less noticeable for other users
 

Turn it (and me) on


This is a Lovense toy we are talking about, so the physical aspect of the toy is really just a small piece of a much bigger puzzle. After all, it is all the crazy and inventive controllable features that make them so much fun to play with.

For the Ridge, there are two different actions or motions to pleasure us. Firstly, there is the pretty standard vibrating action that is pretty much to be expected with any of their toys. Secondly, and far more interestingly, there is a rotation action for the end of the “beads”.

Remember how I mentioned that the first bulb was angled? That’s because it will rotate around in a circle. If you have or are familiar with Lovense’s Nora, it’s not too dissimilar to that. From what I understand, it is designed to do a very good job of stimulating the prostate, if you have one of those.

The vibrations have the usual selection of Lovense patterns that you can cycle through by clicking one of the buttons, while the rotations come in 3 speeds, which are cycled using the other button and can reach up to 116 rotations per minute. Of course, these means that both actions are fully independent from one another, which allows for plenty of variation.

And on the topic of the buttons, a small nitpick here, but it’s a little annoying that there is no way to differentiate between them. OK, when it’s inserted in your ass, you cannot see them anyway, but there doesn’t seem to be any sort of visual indication of which is which when you are simply holding it in your hands. Turning it on and off always turns into an exercise in trial and error.

The solution is simple, of course, just use the phone app, which I’m pretty sure I have praised many times in previous reviews for just how great and feature-rich it is. I love the app and will always choose using that over the physical controls on any of my toys.



This is the first of the issues that I had when choosing the more comfortable insertion position of just 2 out of 3 bulbs; the amount of vibes I was getting really wasn’t enough. As for the other issue, that was in regards to the rotation.

When fully inserted, the Ridge sits nice and snuggly which allows the rotation effect to be felt quite effectively. However, when only partially inserted, I found that, without being anchored all the way along the shaft, it tended to be the protruding portion that would start wiggling while the inserted section remained. Or, at least some of the internal rotation would be lost as external wiggling.

When working properly though, the rotation was a pretty pleasant and unique experience that my ass has is not used to. At times, when the position of the end bulb was just right, I could even feel it rub against my G-spot through the wall of ass, which is something that I will never complain about.

In general though, I wouldn’t say it was a game changer. Not like the way that the Nora’s rotation feels amazing as it consistently hits my G-spot. Of course, and I’ve probably alluded to this enough already, but mileage will vary depending on your personal anatomy. And I would be interested to hear the male perspective on this as I feel like it is much more suited to rubbing their prostate than for us G-sport owners.

Taking it deep


So, I think that the biggest take away from all of this is that, to get the most out of the Ridge, full insertion is recommended. Although, it seems like I’m not the only user who struggles to take it all without at least some discomfort. If you like deep anal penetration though, then the Ridge should be right up your street. I believe the total insertable length is 5.8 inches, if you are interested in such things.

One other thing I should mention whilst on the topic of taking it all, when on my back with my legs in the air, I did find that it tried to escape a few times when I had managed to squeeze all three bulbs inside my ass. No doubt a combination of the tight fit length-wise, the relatively narrow diameter of the widest bulb and the wiggling action of the toy.

For that reason, my usage has mostly been limited to sitting on it, so that the weight of my body can keep it pushed in against my chair. Something that did worry me a little at first but there is a little bit of flexibility where the shaft meets the base; probably just enough to not have to constantly worry about snapping it unless you are particularly violent with it.

Given that it is basically a rigid shaft, fucking yourself with it is definitely an option as opposed to just pushing it in a leaving it in place. Personally, I didn’t really try that, simply because of how reluctant my ass had been to take the final bulb. Once it was in, I preferred to just leave it there rather than trying to thrust it in and out.



What’s in the box?

I think that with all that said, all that is left to cover is the nerdy stuff of what you actually get and the product specs of it so here we go.

In terms of unboxing, please stop me if you’ve heard this all before, but you get all of the usual Lovense goodies in their typically well-designed packaging. That means that, in addition to the toy itself, you get a basic but functional bag to store it in, the trademark Lovense magnetic charging cable that has become standard with all of their toys from the last few years and a small instruction booklet.

As for the product specs of the Ridge, a lot of this will also sound familiar. For instance, the toy is made from body-safe silicon and is rated as IPX7 waterproof, which is again, pretty standard for Lovense by now.

Lovense say that battery life is around 2hr 30mins. I’ve never managed to run the battery down, despite using it continuously for a few hours on occasion. Presumably that battery life is based on running it hard at max power, which I definitely wasn’t doing. So no complaints over how long you can use it for. Charge time also seems pretty quick, although I’ve clearly never had to do that from empty.

And, finally, all of the usual cleaning tips for Lovense toys apply. Just use any decent sex-toy cleaner or mild soap and you shouldn’t have any dramas with the silicon degrading.

In closing


As I addressed at the outside, I really don’t think the Ridge can be described as anal beads but that’s not to say it isn’t a good anal toy. I’d actually say it is a good toy but not a great toy.

More so than with any other Lovense toy that I’ve tried, I feel like the amount of pleasure that you can get from the Ridge will be very dependent on your personal body. Both in terms of the physical fit of it and in terms of the stimulation it will give you. Personally, if I’m going to put a vibrating toy up my butt, it’s more likely to be one of my Hushs but that’s not to say that I won’t use my Ridge from time to time.

And, in a first for me, I might actually be finding myself writing a review that is more likely to recommend the Ridge to men rather than women. For us girls, I reckon it will be a bit more hit or miss depending on how deep you like your ass to be penetrated. For guys, my guess would be that the appeal is a bit more global once you get it rubbing the prostate. Please don’t quote me on that though; it’s purely a guess.

Regardless of whether you are male or female, if you think the Ridge could be the toy for you and want to give it a try, head over to the Lovense store to pick one up right now.

Wednesday, 20 December 2023

Hands on with my Gravity


Just like with my Gemini, I’ve had my Gravity ever since it was released way back at the end of 2022 and, for “reasons”, I’m only just now getting round to releasing my review. However, unlike with my Gemini, I am only now writing this review, so it comes after around a year's worth of usage rather than just a couple of months.

So what exactly is the Gravity? In the words of Lovense themselves, it is a “thrusting and vibrating dildo”. In practical terms, that makes it a scaled down and more affordable alternative to their Sex Machine. A Sex Machine Jr, if you will.

And let’s not pretend that anyone is going to be getting one of these for the vibrating part of that description. It’s gonna be all about that thrusting, baby!

Unboxing


There’s really not much to say here that I haven’t previously said in pretty much every one of my previous Lovense reviews. For the benefit of those that are new to my reviews, I’ll quickly run through it anyway though.

Deliveries arrive in plain, unmarked boxes that conceal the lewd contents within. Remove that and you’ll find the actual product box, well designed as always. Lovense have refined the art of packaging so you know it will be on point.


Inside the box is the usual stuff; the toy itself (which comes in 2 parts - the dildo and the suction cup), a bag to store it in, the now ubiquitous magnetic charger and a small instruction booklet.

Really, the only new thing I have to add specifically for this toy is that, if for any reason you want to store your Gravity back in the box after usage, it does have a unique challenge that can make that harder, than it should be. We’ll come back to that in a little bit though.

Piecing the Gravity together


OK, moving onto the toy itself because, let’s face it, that’s the fun part that you really want to know all about.

As mentioned, it comes in 2 parts - the dildo and the suction cup base. There’s actually a third part to it, and that’s a cap that can cover the screwing port on the bottom of the dildo for if you don’t want to use it as a regular dildo instead of sticking it to something. It easily just pops on and off.

For me, that cap only really gets used when storing the Gravity. If you want to keep it in the bag that is provided, you’ll have to remove the suction cup, which is far too girthy for the bag. You’ll also find that the bag is only just long enough for the dildo, which is a whooping 9.2” in length!

Anatomy of the dildo


I should hasten to say that not all of that 9+ inches is intended for insertion. Only the initial 5.12” of the shaft is for insertion. The next inch or so is the expanding accordion-like section that is responsible for the thrusting. Then, the remaining few inches are where you’ll find the control buttons (one for power and cycling the vibration patterns and one for cycling thrusting patterns), charging connector and the all-important motor for the thrusting section.

The other key measurement that you are probably interested in is the girth, which comes in at a respectable 1.46”.


To set expectations early; the dildo is not supposed to be a realistic dildo. It has some strategically placed ridges to add some texturing but is otherwise completely smooth. It is also completely straight, which may disappoint those of you who like a little bit of curvature, and fairly rigid. There’s a little bit of squish to the head but the rest is very firm.

Whether or not those ridges are sufficient texturing for you will be an entirely personal thing. I know that some users prefer to have more texturing for better stimulation. I was pretty content with what it had though.

Stick or twist


I’m quite aware that I have neglected to mention the suction cup other than in passing so far. Considering how important it actually is, let’s get into that a bit now.

To be honest, there’s not really much to the piece itself. It’s just a 3” extra-strong suction cup with a screw on top to attach it to the dildo. But, without it, you’re going to be missing out on all of that thrusting goodness.

I tested it on walls, floors and some wooden furniture, and it stuck well to all of those. If I was ever in doubt, a little bit of wetness on it made absolutely sure it wouldn’t come unstuck mid fuck session.

I did have my doubts to begin with though. When the dildo is attached and the cup is stuck to a vertical surface, the dildo will droop down under its own weight. I had imagined that it would stand proud and erect but that wasn’t the case at all.
 











That flexibility, which allows it to droop, does give you some range of movement to writhe around a bit or just adjust yourself to try to make sure it is hitting just the right spot. You aren’t forced to rigidly remain straight onto it which would be a bit of a deal breaker.

In the longer term, it does make me worry slightly about the durability of the suction cup’s silicone which is flexing due to the weight. In the short term, that is no more than a minor inconvenience of having to reach around to lift the tip of the dildo and guide it in as you back up on to it.

Let’s get ready to rumble


As far as using the Gravity goes, I’ll quickly start with the less headline-grabbing feature; the vibration, before I move onto the main attraction.

The motor for the vibrations is housed in the head of the dildo, which means it gives it a nice and targeted delivery. It’s deep and rumbly, just the way I like it, which means it feels great when rubbing against my G-spot.

If you are just using the vibrations without any thrusting, it might be a little underwhelming. Like I said, they are nice and intense at the tip but the single motor is maybe a little weak to sustain that throughout the entire length of the shaft. That’s not a criticism though, as the vibes are strong enough where it really matters.

The vibrating is also not too loud, which is always a positive. That said, as soon as you turn on the thrusting, any sort of stealth use goes out the window. Like with the Nora and it’s twirling clit arm, as soon as you have any motion other than vibrating, things get pretty loud with a high pitched whirring sound.

Not that that should be too much of an issue as I don’t see the Gravity as the sort of toy that you would be using in public. If you stick it to a shared wall with a neighbour though, don’t be surprised if they are well aware of what is going on.

Get your thrust on


And what will be going on is that the dildo will be fucking you at up 140 strokes a second. Which sounds like a lot. In truth, it’s probably not quite as fast as that number might make you imagine. That doesn’t matter though because it still feels like a lot. More precisely, it feels pretty fucking great.

Now, the stroke length of the thrusting is only a very modest sounding 1.18”, which may not be enough to satisfy some, but I would say that you shouldn’t underestimate how good a little over an inch can feel.

Actually, for me, it felt just right. Combined with the 1.46” girth and the 5” penetration depth, it felt really good, without ever threatening to feel overwhelming. Especially when you take into the consideration the speed and power that it can go at. I’ve already mentioned how fast it can fuck, but it can also fuck plenty hard.
 

Again, what floats your boat will vary from person to person, so I can only give my personal verdict on the power. And that is to say that it leaves me feeling very satisfied.

I particularly enjoy how much easier it becomes to you ride the wave of an orgasm compared to just manually fucking yourself with a dildo. When doing it yourself, it can be hard to maintain the thrusting whilst you are in the throes of cumming. No worries when the Gravity is fucking you though. It just keeps going whilst your muscles are doing god knows what as you enjoy every second of that orgasm.

And, if you are anything like me, it will be orgasms-a-plenty with this bad boy. Especially if Lovense’s claims of the battery supporting 4 hours of continuous use are accurate. I honestly cannot say that I’ve managed to go for long enough to try to verify that claim. It will obviously vary depending on how hard you are asking it to fuck you. I’m just going to say that that time doesn’t seem unrealistic for lower power settings.

My tips


Just be sure to be adequately lubed up before getting started, whether that be through some water-based lube or by other means. A hint - the vibrating head can be pretty effective as clitorial stimulation before insertion.

Also, if you decide to be very adventurous and insert it deeper than the designated insertable section, you may not have a good time. The accordion-like thrusting section won’t feel good. I would really recommend that you don’t even try.

As usual, Lovense have used body safe silicone which is also IPX6 water-resistant. That makes it super easy to clean and lets you take it pretty much anywhere, including the shower, as long as you are careful not to submerge it. Just remember to stick the cap on the bottom of the dildo if it is going to get wet when the the suction cup isn’t screwed on.

It also goes without saying that it has full integration with the fantastic Lovense app. Of more note is that this is another toy to add to the growing collection of ones that can be paired together so that you and a partner can enjoy a shared experience using the remote sex feature.


Any annoyances?


Well, yes. Maybe. I don’t know. “Annoyance” might be a little strong but there is one improvement that immediately springs to mind. Remember how I said that the Gravity had a unique storage problem compared to other Lovense toys?

It desperately needs a reset option that will automatically contract it down to its shortest length. If it is extended at all, it will not fit back in the box and will poke out of the end of its bag. Trying to use the app to time the thrusts so that you stop at just the right moment is a pain that we shouldn’t have to face.

Final thoughts


I fucking love my Gravity. Or should that be that I love fucking my Gravity?

In truth, I’ve not gotten as much use out of it as I could. As my Lovense toy collection grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to give each toy a fair amount of time. There is only so much time that I can dedicate to making myself cum each day.

So when I do get to play with my wonderful little automated fuck stick, it is a special occasion for me and one that always delivers. It’s not failed to make me cum once and I don’t expect that to change any time soon.

That said, when I go traveling and I take a selection of toys with me to keep myself entertained (what else is a horny fucker like me to do when stuck alone in a hotel), the Gravity isn't one that makes the cut. This toy is all about getting me off in the privacy and comfort of my bedroom and I'm totally cool with that. And it certainly beats having to pay five times as much to get Lovense's full-on Sex Machine which, realistically, is primarily targeted at the cam model market rather than casual home users like me.

And that's pretty much all I have to say about the Gravity at the moment. If I haven't already made a compelling argument for why you should add one to your toy collection, then I'm at a loss for what else you could possibly want from a fuck toy. But, if I've tempted you into giving it a go, head over to the Lovense store where you can pick one up for yourself.

Monday, 11 September 2023

Hands on with my Gemini


This review was written way back in March but has been stuck as I draft whilst I waited for some photo opportunities to become available. Those did not come and I've given up waiting fro mthem. My opinions have not changed in the 5 months since writing this.

During the Lovense-themed 3DXChat TTS Podcast episode, one of the questions that I raised was ‘what would we like to see next from Lovense’. They’ve done so many toys that are intended for use between your legs, I really felt it was time that they branched out a little into providing pleasure and stimulation for other sensitive areas as well.

In the marketing materials for the Exomoon, Lovense did mention using it for nipple stimulation and, having tried that myself, I found it very pleasurable indeed. But it left me wanting more. How about a toy that was primarily designed for that purpose? So, for that reason, my suggestion was vibrating nipple clamps.

And here we are; Lovense have delivered for me with the Gemini; a pair of vibrating nipple clamps that revolve around Lovense’s signature controllability. The question is, would they live up to my expectations? Let’s find out!

Unpacking


It goes without saying that Lovense’s packing is always on point. You know the drill by now. Everything arrives in plain brown boxes that give no hint of the lewdness contained within. Remove that and you then get to the typically well designed product box. Remove the lid of that and then you finally get to the good stuff within. But what exactly is that for the Gemini?

Well, you actually get a little more than you may be expecting. Obviously there is the toy itself, as well as the now standard magnetic USB charging cable and satin toy bag for storing it in.

Then there are a couple of little toy-specific accessories for fastening the toy to you while you use it. I’ll come on to why they are such welcome inclusions in a little bit though.

What about the toy?


As for the Gemini itself, you get a pair of nipple clamps that are each tethered to a control control unit by a small cord.

The clamps are fairly bulky. No doubt in order to be able to house motors that will be providing the vibrations. And, despite having an unusually plasticy feel to them (almost cheap) for something from Lovense, they seem pretty robust. The plastic adjustment screws were a worry for me initially but they actually seem pretty strong. They also seem to have a good range of adjustment depending on whether you really want them to be pinching hard or simply gripping tight enough to hold on. I think they do a good job on that front.

My only concern in terms of durability is actually how close the wire attaches to where you will be pressing down to open the clamps up. On a number of occasions my fingers have slipped off the end of the clamp and onto the wire. Something that is easily done when things are getting wet and sticky. And the clamps do have a powerful pinching action so you do need to use a fair bit of force to open them. Damaging the wire is definitely a worry for me.


At the other end of the wire we, of course, have the control unit. It has a single multi-purpose button for turning on and off, as well as cycling through the pre-programmed patterns. Presumably, it is also the home of the battery which can manage up to 2 hrs of use between charges, although you may get less deepening on how strong you like your vibrations.

When powered on, the Lovense logo on the control unit will light up and flash. You can pick from a number of different colours for the light via the app, although my favourite was the cyan sort of colour.

A word of warning though, even if you are wearing clothes over the Gemini, the light on the control unit can penetrate through those, so pick your clothes carefully. I’ve even had it visible under a t-shirt and thick hoodie so anything thin or revealing would be best avoided..

You’ll probably also want to consider how obvious the bulk of the clamps are as well. I’d suggest wearing them under at least a semi-padded bra to help hide their presence or you might get some very odd looks..

Although stuffing it in a suitable bra obviously isn’t an option for any guys who want to use the Gemini, which I say in full seriousness because Lovense do market it as being a unisex toy. Which does beg the question of why they’ve stuck with using pink for the toy. But not even their signature brand pink. The clamps transition from a fairly recognisable pink at the tips to an extremely pale pink further. The same pale pink is used for the control unit. Seems like a bit of a head scratcher to me. Surely a more gender-neutral colour would have been appropriate? But that’s not something to get hung up on.

Those surprise accessories


As mentioned earlier, a couple of accessories are included along with the toy itself.

First of all, there is the bra clip, which is a clear plastic shell that fits around the Gemini’s control unit and has a clip on the back that can be slid onto the centre part of your bra. The second option is just a very simple nylon string necklace that can be clipped onto a small loop on top of the control unit and then worn around the neck.

Both very simple accessories and, some may say, a bit on the cheap side considering what we are normally used to from Lovense, but I would argue that you may find them priceless when playing with the Gemini.

You see, although the control unit couldn’t exactly be described as heavy, if left to hang freely by the wires to the nipple clamps, it would certainly add a lot of tension to the wires. By either fastening the control unit to your bra or hanging it around your neck, all tension is removed from the wires and you can get a pure pinching feel from them.

Of course, you might actually like that tension being put on the clamps, in which case, by all means let the control unit hang freely. But I’m glad that Lovense have given us the option to decide for ourselves with, not just one, but two fastening options.

And we shouldn’t forget the other, more practical (and less sexy), need for them, which is if you are planning to wear the Gemini out for some public play. In that sort of situation, I really don’t think you would want to be relying on the clamps remaining securely clamped onto your nips. Imagine the embarrassment if they came loose from too much buzzing!

I do have one little grumble about the bra clip though. There is actually a hole on the back of it which, when attached to the Gemini, sits over where the magnetic charging points are. It looks for all the world as if this is to allow charging without having to remove the bra clip. However, I just could not get the charging wire to make a proper connection when the clip was on. Seems to defeat the purpose of that design element and a little disappointing that something like that would slip through.

Trying it out


OK, time for the part that I’m sure you are most interested in!

I’ll be upfront and admit that I still don’t know quite how to feel about this part. In fact, my initial experience was most definitely an underwhelming one. It took me a little bit of use to try to understand how to get the best out of the Gemini.

So first off, I just didn’t feel like there was enough strength to the vibrations. But there is definitely more to this than the toy being under-powered. Lovense are all about the power, after all. I mean, let’s be realistic here and bear in mind the form factor that we are dealing with here. Yes, I said the clamps were somewhat bulky in order to house the motors, but the motors are still going to be much smaller than in other toys. That’s just an inescapable necessity.

That said, the motors do buzz like crazy so why doesn’t it always feel like it?

It would be easy to say that the problem is that the vibrations aren’t that deep rumbly vibration that we know and love from other Lovense toys. Instead, it’s a very shrill, high frequency buzzing and, the noise aside (I could imagine it being very obvious when in public), that is absolutely fine, because I don’t think that’s really the problem.


If you do feel that there is a lack of strength to the vibrations, I think the more likely cause is the position of the motors within the clamps which seems to cause more of the vibes to go to the back of the clamp instead of to the tip where it's actually pinching. I’ve seen a lot of users comment on this, and I tend to agree with them, that this actually causes a lot of the vibrations to be felt through the areola, rather than through the nipple itself.

Furthermore, if you like the clamps to be pinching quite hard, that sensation can completely drown out the buzzing sensations. This was something that I experienced early on when still trying to figure out how tight I best liked the clamps to be. (It would be doing the Gemini a disservice not to mention that the clamping aspect of them seems very good indeed!)

Taking all of this into account by adjusting the tightness of the clamps and trying to angle them to be more erect instead of lying against my boob (to focus contact on my nipples), I have found that I have been able to get a more satisfying experience.

Some other thoughts


Before I try to turn all of these thoughts into some sort of coherent conclusion, there are just a few other quick thoughts to drop in. Most of these you will have heard before in my other Lovense reviews so I don’t feel like I need to dwell on them for too long, hence the brevity.

The Gemini is made of body-safe materials and super easy to clean. Just be aware that, while it is IPX6 water-resistant, it is not IPX7 waterproof. Something to be aware of when cleaning or planning for where to use it (in the shower is not recommended).

Also, it is fully supported by the Lovense mobile app. It doesn’t necessarily work well with existing patterns that have been made for other toys. Generally, I’ve found that patterns transfer from one toy to another quite well but the Gemini seems a little inconsistent. I’ve had some that work fine, some that will only buzz one clamp and some that don’t really do much at all. It likely depends on which toy the pattern was created on.

Finally, I would be very nervous using this for public play. I’ve already mentioned both reasons so I don’t need to really go into this one any more except to say that it feels more risky than other Lovense toys because you not only need to be conscious of people being able to hear it but there is the added risk of them being able to see it.

In closing


As I alluded to earlier, I still have slightly mixed feelings about the Gemini.

On one hand, I love the concept and think you can definitely have a lot of fun with it. But, on the other hand, I think some compromises have had to be made in order to keep the size down and that does hold it back somewhat.

All hope is not lost though. Lovense do have a track record of listening to customer feedback and implementing that in future versions of their products. If you are a member of their Discord, you may well have seen that they got plenty of feedback on this one.

So, while the Gemini is not quite the game-changer for me that I hoped it would, it really only needs a little refinement here and there to potentially become one. And none of my experiences with the Gemini have dulled the excitement that I would feel if a Gemini 2 was announced tomorrow. No, I would still be very eager to give it a try!

And don’t let anything that I have said put you off, if you are interested in this toy. The Gemini may not be a great toy but it is still a good toy, and I’ve seen a lot of very positive feedback for it from users who are very happy with it. As with anything, what works for one person, may not work as well for another, and vice versa.

If you cannot wait until that day though and want to give the current Gemini a go, why not head over to the Lovense store and order yourself one today!

Or, if you are a guy that has tried the Gemini, I would love to hear your thoughts on it to see how they compare with mine. Drop me a message and let me know!